Even if it is only 10 minutes between receiving a phone call and having to return it, some preparation is better than none.

2. Think about an agenda for the negotiation.

What are the issues on the table? It may be valuable to set the agenda prior to the meeting commencing so that both sides can prepare effectively.

3. If you are about to negotiate on a set piece issue think about taking along a team with you.

The team should be prepared effectively and have set roles. A well drilled team creates an advantage when the meeting begins.

4. Practice your response.

In your team think about how you will respond to the various 'plays' that the other side might make. Spend time developing 'what if' responses to how the other side may play their agenda.

5. Test any contentious issues with stakeholders.

Make sure you have the authority and backing to take any tough decisions you may need to take.

Najnovší blog:

Spinning out of Control

The FT front-page headline last Monday said it all. ‘New Era of Volatiliy Dawning on Markets’. But it was wrong in one respect – this is not a new era. Every follower of economic fashion has long known that political stability, economic predictability and demographic certainty, each a major factor which underpins share prices have been increasingly volatile for some years. The Brexit Referendum, the popularity of the Labour Left Wing, the antics of...